SHILLONG, May 6: Opposition MLA, Mohendro Rapsang, has slammed the NPP-led MDA Government for its lack of preparedness despite coughing up whopping 400-500 crores to tackle the COVID-19 situation.
Speaking to media persons here on Thursday, the MLA said, “The Government has been saying since last year that it is prepared. But looking at the situation now, it is evident they are not.”
“Not even a single district is prepared. The hospitals in Shillong are getting occupied very fast. What is going to happen? Despite spending 400-500 crores, they’re unprepared,” Rapsang rued.
It may be mentioned that the state government had last year claimed of spending Rs 399 crore in the fight against COVID-19 last year. The claim was, however, ridiculed by civil societies and since then, the government has not divulged the additional expenditure spent in the fight against COVID-19.
Rapsang maintained that the crores of rupees could have been utilised by the government in building a large COVID-19 hospital. “Under that budget, 1,000 beds could have been built, dedicated only to COVID-19 patients,” Rapsang added.
Recalling how the working class had to suffer last year, the MLA asked the state government to devise a proper stratagem this year.
“This year, people are managing with the little savings that they have. But now people will be left with no more savings and that might lead to another calamity,” Rapsang said.
Peeved at the government’s abrupt decision of imposing a total lockdown in East Khasi Hills, the MLA said that it was uncalled-for.
He maintained that the government should have given time to the citizens to be mentally prepared for the total lockdown.
“I am concerned for the citizens, especially the ones under my constituency. There are many labourers and hawkers, who have been affected by this lockdown,” Rapsang added.
Rapsang said that the sudden announcement by the government created panic among people. “There were people who were stranded. Some had even complained of how their huge quantity of perishable goods will go wasted now,” the MLA said.
